Taste: This denser, more deep-flavoured Dalwhinnie combines a reassuring, gentle firmness with an aromatic spiciness while remaining superbly accessible throughout; its crisp, dry and fragrant nose and smooth flavours of heather, honey-sweetness, malt and citrus-fruits lead to a lingering, sweet finish with smoke, peat and malt.

Nose:
Broad, firm, smooth and clean, yet with a compelling, sweet, honeyed, dessert character that suggests the indulgence to come. An ever present fragrant and smooth waxiness underscores higher glimpses of fruit, suggesting a caramel tart on a smear of sharp apricot coulis, or sweet shortcrust pastry offset by orange zest. There’s also a menthol freshness and a modest, smoky note.

Palate:
Smoothly honeyed, sweet, comforting and rich- textured with a balancing ripe autumn-fruit tartness. Growing spicy, with gingerbread; then denser with rich malt loaf, suggestions of molasses and mint; and later soft, distant smoke. Delicious just as it is: water may be added if desired, but adds little.